Temple Sinai, Reform synagogue in Oakland, California, United States
Temple Sinai is a Reform synagogue in Oakland, California, and the oldest Jewish congregation in the East Bay. Its current building, finished in 1914, shows a Beaux-Arts design with a symmetrical front and a broad entry stair.
Founded in 1875 as the First Hebrew Congregation of Oakland, the community moved toward Classical Reform under Rabbi Marcus Friedlander and dedicated its current building in 1914. Since then, it has faced several financial crises and completed a major redevelopment in the 2000s.
The congregation is known for its welcoming approach, with an interfaith program that invites people of different backgrounds to take part. On Fridays and Saturdays, the sanctuary fills with members for prayer, and the building also hosts classes and community events.
The synagogue sits in a residential area of Oakland, easily reached by car or public transit, with parking available nearby. Visitors should check the website or call ahead for service times and to arrange a visit, as access is often limited to scheduled events.
The building is often cited as the oldest synagogue structure still in use in Oakland. Its architect, G. Albert Lansburgh, also designed several notable theaters on the West Coast.
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